DCHS Band Ranked Superior at Upper Cumberland Marching Band Festival

September 21, 2023
By: Bill Conger

The DeKalb County High School Fighting Tiger Marching Band earned a Superior ranking Saturday (Sept. 9) at the 40th Annual Upper Cumberland Marching Band Festival. Held at Cumberland County High School in Crossville, the exhibition ranks bands by the categories of superior, excellent, and good. In addition to the band’s overall Superior ranking, the color guard and percussion section were ranked Excellent.

“The guard does a tremendous job,” Band Director Don Whitt said. “We have a very talented leader, Mrs. Shannon Johns, who is doing a phenomenal job. The students are learning how to create and write their own material for the show. They are all very creative students. I am proud for them because of that.

“Because the kids actually wrote the opener, I believe they are more invested in this show,” Color Guard Leader Shannon Johns said. “Each of the color guard members brings their unique, authentic self but also work well as a team. This season is no different in terms of injuries and other time commitments, yet the students have literally put their blood, sweat, and tears in to create something they can call their own. I am very proud of each of them and look forward to seeing them have continued success this season.”

The band’s musical theme Heart and Soul features song selections from 1970s Motown including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “I Want You Back,” and the soon-to-be-added “When A Man Loves a Woman.”

“The main objective for me is the music and the marching for right now,” Director Don Whitt said. “They have to learn how to play in that type of style. They are learning proper breathing technique, how to articulate and communicate the music they play to the audience. I like the familiar sounds that take the audience back to a simpler time. I have heard my parents and family and friends that will cut the old radio up when they hear those classic tunes.”

“We have had a lot of people from our community that have bragged on our students and told me how much that music had touched them. Our students are coming a long way for a small band of about 43 total. We have a lot of things to tweak here and there, however, we are learning to work and play as a team in the entire group.”

In addition to Whitt and Johns, Maxwell Patterson has come on board as the Percussion Director and Assistant Band Director.

The band’s next competition will be at the Yellow Jacket Invitations in Trousdale County on September 30.

September 20, 2023
By:

Smithville Elementary would like to recognize its Teacher of the Month, Ms. Allyson Trapp. SES recognizes one teacher each month for his/her outstanding performance in teaching and their contribution to the students at our school. The teacher of the month is selected by the administration at Smithville Elementary.

Some of the many compliments for Ms. Allyson include:

Ms. Allyson is a key teacher here at Smithville Elementary. She has high standards and works well with her peers setting a tone for excellence that resounds throughout the school.

Allyson is kind and caring. She’s always there for her coworkers! She is wonderful to each child!

She always gives up her own time to make sure everyone has everything that they need. She always puts the kid’s needs first and has a smile on her face.

Allyson is compassionate, gentle, and kind. She loves her students so well. She has an amazing way of motivating them and is such an encourager. Her students are blessed to have her!

Ms. Allyson is such an asset to SES ! She always has a smile and is such a good teacher!

Ms. Allyson’s bubbly personality motivates her students to want to learn. She strives to build strong relationships with her students and their families.

Congratulations Ms. Allyson, and thank you for your hard work and dedication to your students. Your efforts do not go unnoticed!

September 20, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Calling for Callie!

The DeKalb Animal Shelter is home to “Callie”, a cuddly canine critter now ready for adoption! Call for “Callie” today and give her just what she needs, a caring home!

“Callie is a one-year-old mixed breed,” said Shelter Director Emmaly Bennett. “She has already been spayed and up to date on everything. She is super sweet. A real cuddle bug and she gets along well with other dogs and people and she is doing well on behavior and her leash training. Her adoption fee is $80,” said Bennett.

“If you are interested in adopting Callie, please check out the adoptable pet’s link on our website to fill out an application at https://www.dekalbanimalsheltertn.com/ and we will call you to come in and meet her,” she said.

The shelter is open Monday-Friday from 8 to 4 and Saturday from 8 to 12 at 186 Transfer Station Road. Phone 615-597-3647.